"Baby's Breath" Limited Signed & Numbered Edition Chapbooks in the Wild...
and going Live on Amazon
I'm thrilled to announce that the Second Edition of "Baby's Breath" is live on Amazon. The paperback chapbook is just slightly different than the First Edition—unsigned and unnumbered, of course, and will be followed by an e-book edition. It is also available on the CreateSpace eStore.
Matt Edginton, VP Wizard, made a neat page for it on the Villipede Publications website, which has blurbs, details , and other info.
This was actually supposed to be released on Monday, the same day I'll be going to Mass General Hospital to get the pathology results on my recent surgery. But I'm hoping the timing is good fortune, and that Amazon was just a little eager to make it available before I head in for my news.
There have been so many great things happening lately—it's actually hard to keep track―and yes, I've been sick and have had a lot problems with my health getting in the way of being as productive, creative, involved, and efficient as I'd like to be. But I'm trying to keep up. And by that mean keep a positive attitude, as well.
And although there's much I want to say about all the good news there is to share, I'm going to keep this post short and sweet―(inserted retroactively―no, I'm not) and just post all the great pictures I have of the "Baby's Breath" chapbooks in the wild and some things about the people who bought or sent photos of them. (Okay, so there's a bit more here, but bear with me...)
Matt Edginton, VP Wizard, made a neat page for it on the Villipede Publications website, which has blurbs, details , and other info.
This was actually supposed to be released on Monday, the same day I'll be going to Mass General Hospital to get the pathology results on my recent surgery. But I'm hoping the timing is good fortune, and that Amazon was just a little eager to make it available before I head in for my news.
There have been so many great things happening lately—it's actually hard to keep track―and yes, I've been sick and have had a lot problems with my health getting in the way of being as productive, creative, involved, and efficient as I'd like to be. But I'm trying to keep up. And by that mean keep a positive attitude, as well.
And although there's much I want to say about all the good news there is to share, I'm going to keep this post short and sweet―(inserted retroactively―no, I'm not) and just post all the great pictures I have of the "Baby's Breath" chapbooks in the wild and some things about the people who bought or sent photos of them. (Okay, so there's a bit more here, but bear with me...)
Daniel Knauf―#1.
I'm talking to Daniel on the phone as I type this, and he's revealing his plans for global domination to me. While I won't share those with you, I will tell you that I would not have put this chapbook together without him. He's not just a writer, creator, director, producer, or poet―he's also an artist―and so besides helping me with the design and layout of the interior and cover, it was not until the *very* last minute that I rather casually asked, "Do you think I should put blurbs on the back?"
Seconds later, I got my first one, which I have committed to memory, and will never forget:
"Sydney Leigh's narrative squirms into the deepest, darkest, most primitive folds of your lizard brain, curls up and oozes dread."
~Daniel Knauf, Creator, Carnivàle, Writer-Producer, The Blacklist
I am so grateful for all the help and support Daniel has given me along the way, both with this and my other projects.
He is also one of the best friends that I've ever had. And he doesn't need much more introduction here from me, I'm sure.
Seconds later, I got my first one, which I have committed to memory, and will never forget:
"Sydney Leigh's narrative squirms into the deepest, darkest, most primitive folds of your lizard brain, curls up and oozes dread."
~Daniel Knauf, Creator, Carnivàle, Writer-Producer, The Blacklist
I am so grateful for all the help and support Daniel has given me along the way, both with this and my other projects.
He is also one of the best friends that I've ever had. And he doesn't need much more introduction here from me, I'm sure.
A man whose opinion matters: Tony Tremblay, aka T.T. Zuma
This was one of our first "Taco Society" meetings at Shorty's, which eventually led to our monthly show on Goffstown TV, "The Taco Society Presents."
If you don't know Tony, well, your life isn't as rich as it could be. He's a great man, a fantastic writer, an avid reader and reviewer for Horror World, and now he's a TV star on top of it all. I haven't met his beautiful wife Paula yet, but it's no surprise she looks like a model and sounds like a really wonderful person.
Tony does a phenomenal job hosting our show, and I am so proud to be a part of it along with him, Gardner Goldsmith, and Phillip Perron.
If you happen to get the local channel our show airs on, you can see the schedule for it here. You can also see Episode One and Two on YouTube, and check out our latest episode where we interview members of Tony's writing group The Blank Page here.
He's got a story in ANTHOLOGY: YEAR THREE, which recently debuted at AnthoCon, and also co-edited EULOGIES III with Nanci Kalanta and Christopher Jones, out now on Amazon with stories from Ray Garton, Brian Hodge, David Morell, and more.
If you don't know Tony, well, your life isn't as rich as it could be. He's a great man, a fantastic writer, an avid reader and reviewer for Horror World, and now he's a TV star on top of it all. I haven't met his beautiful wife Paula yet, but it's no surprise she looks like a model and sounds like a really wonderful person.
Tony does a phenomenal job hosting our show, and I am so proud to be a part of it along with him, Gardner Goldsmith, and Phillip Perron.
If you happen to get the local channel our show airs on, you can see the schedule for it here. You can also see Episode One and Two on YouTube, and check out our latest episode where we interview members of Tony's writing group The Blank Page here.
He's got a story in ANTHOLOGY: YEAR THREE, which recently debuted at AnthoCon, and also co-edited EULOGIES III with Nanci Kalanta and Christopher Jones, out now on Amazon with stories from Ray Garton, Brian Hodge, David Morell, and more.
Spectacular photo courtesy of MJ Preston
Mark "Mj" Preston (aka "Nark") is a writer, artist, photographer, ice road trucker, military veteran, and all around really cool guy.
His novels THE EQUINOX and ACADIA EVENT have generated some buzz...check out his site for more information on those here.
I love this picture because it's awesome, but also because of page 89 in Gene's O'Neill's killer novella from Written Backwards, AT THE LAZY K, the fact that I edited B.E. Scully's THE TOWER OF TOGETHER, *and* I reviewed both DREAMSCAPES INTO DARKNESS from Firbolg Publishing (review due out soon on Hellnotes) and Great Old Ones' anthology CANOPIC JARS.
Guess that means I should read BAD APPLE, stat!
I do love Kristi Peterson Schoonover...so I'm sneaking in a couple pics of us from AnthoCon here just because.
His novels THE EQUINOX and ACADIA EVENT have generated some buzz...check out his site for more information on those here.
I love this picture because it's awesome, but also because of page 89 in Gene's O'Neill's killer novella from Written Backwards, AT THE LAZY K, the fact that I edited B.E. Scully's THE TOWER OF TOGETHER, *and* I reviewed both DREAMSCAPES INTO DARKNESS from Firbolg Publishing (review due out soon on Hellnotes) and Great Old Ones' anthology CANOPIC JARS.
Guess that means I should read BAD APPLE, stat!
I do love Kristi Peterson Schoonover...so I'm sneaking in a couple pics of us from AnthoCon here just because.
Bob "The Miracle" Meracle
Bob and I were both at the Bram Stoker Awards Weekend and 25th Anniversary World Horror Convention 2015 in Atlanta, Georgia, but never crossed paths. We made up for it in Portsmouth, though, and have been talking ever since―and I am really glad he drove all the way from Wisconsin to stay at America's Worst Inn and attend AnthoCon. We had a blast! He's been wonderful to me. Such a good man. Thanks for the friendship, support, and encouragement, Bob.
Nelson Pyles
What can I say about Nelson? He's very tall, for one. So tall! And he takes great selfies with books...hmm. What else?
He also has a killer voice, and hosted the popular podcast The Wicked Library for an infinite number of phenomenal episodes. I was fortunate enough to have him read my short fiction on Episode 503. To make it more effective, he even had his wife read "Transference," which is the opening paragraph of "Baby's Breath" and was originally published on Hellnotes as a Horror in a Hundred.
Nelson rocks. Check out his author page here. He just sent me his novel DEMONS, DOLLS, AND MILKSHAKES, and has been checking on me since the day he knew I was ill. He is a great guy, and extremely talented.
Nelson. Nelson Pyles. He's got a cool name, to boot.
He also has a killer voice, and hosted the popular podcast The Wicked Library for an infinite number of phenomenal episodes. I was fortunate enough to have him read my short fiction on Episode 503. To make it more effective, he even had his wife read "Transference," which is the opening paragraph of "Baby's Breath" and was originally published on Hellnotes as a Horror in a Hundred.
Nelson rocks. Check out his author page here. He just sent me his novel DEMONS, DOLLS, AND MILKSHAKES, and has been checking on me since the day he knew I was ill. He is a great guy, and extremely talented.
Nelson. Nelson Pyles. He's got a cool name, to boot.
Aaron Sterns—#16—Australia.
To be honest, it still blows my mind that Aaron Sterns has been such a source of support for me with this story. I'm a huge fan of his, and respect his work―and work ethic―a great deal. What he gleaned from "Baby's Breath" was exactly what I wanted to hear from a reader, and it meant the world to me to hear it from someone like him.
No doubt you know him for the WOLF CREEK & WOLF CREEK 2 movies, but if you haven't read WOLF CREEK: ORIGIN, his novel co-written with Greg McLean, please, do yourself a favor and check it out. It is one of my very favorite novels...just an incredible look into the shaping of a killer like Mick Taylor, and brilliantly written.
Aaron has some exciting projects in the works, so I'm anxious to see what's in store for him. He is a wonderful man―so humble―and such a source of inspiration.
Check out his website to stay up to date.
No doubt you know him for the WOLF CREEK & WOLF CREEK 2 movies, but if you haven't read WOLF CREEK: ORIGIN, his novel co-written with Greg McLean, please, do yourself a favor and check it out. It is one of my very favorite novels...just an incredible look into the shaping of a killer like Mick Taylor, and brilliantly written.
Aaron has some exciting projects in the works, so I'm anxious to see what's in store for him. He is a wonderful man―so humble―and such a source of inspiration.
Check out his website to stay up to date.
Gard The Great!
Gard is the best! He has become such a dear friend to me, I simply don't have enough room or time to go on about him. And I know...I said I would keep this short...
He is so wonderful at helping and encouraging people with whatever they do, and is one of the most intelligent people I have ever met. We have a lot of fun on our show, but he also hosts his own show called Liberty Conspiracy and you can listen to his podcasts of those here.
His writing is amazing. He has done too much for me to mention, but I recently read his novella BITE, which I loved, and he and I are sharing pages with our poetry in the upcoming CHIRAL MAD 3 anthology, edited by the one and only Michael Bailey.
The Written Backwards panels we recently took part in at WHC Atlanta and AnthoCon were phenomenal. I still need to do a recap on those...
Thanks for the support, Gard. You are going to continue to do great things, and I consider myself fortunate to call you a friend and a peer.
He is so wonderful at helping and encouraging people with whatever they do, and is one of the most intelligent people I have ever met. We have a lot of fun on our show, but he also hosts his own show called Liberty Conspiracy and you can listen to his podcasts of those here.
His writing is amazing. He has done too much for me to mention, but I recently read his novella BITE, which I loved, and he and I are sharing pages with our poetry in the upcoming CHIRAL MAD 3 anthology, edited by the one and only Michael Bailey.
The Written Backwards panels we recently took part in at WHC Atlanta and AnthoCon were phenomenal. I still need to do a recap on those...
Thanks for the support, Gard. You are going to continue to do great things, and I consider myself fortunate to call you a friend and a peer.
Michael Randolph―#31―all the way to New Delhi, India.
He doesn't let me call him my boss, so I will call myself his boss. Well, okay. Maybe not.
Michael has been great to me, and I am thoroughly enjoying my job at Eldritch Press as the Chief Editor of the Novels Division. My health issues have been a bit of a challenge, but I am trying to rise to the occasion because I respect Michael very much and love what he is doing at Eldritch. I also love editing, and look forward to our future projects together. He is so supportive and helpful...and a great friend. Thank God they let him out of India.
He has an author page...check it out if you haven't yet. On top of being a small press publisher, he's a really talented poet, short story writer, and more. Check out his website, as well. I don't want to gush, since I was supposed to be taking the day off.
Michael has been great to me, and I am thoroughly enjoying my job at Eldritch Press as the Chief Editor of the Novels Division. My health issues have been a bit of a challenge, but I am trying to rise to the occasion because I respect Michael very much and love what he is doing at Eldritch. I also love editing, and look forward to our future projects together. He is so supportive and helpful...and a great friend. Thank God they let him out of India.
He has an author page...check it out if you haven't yet. On top of being a small press publisher, he's a really talented poet, short story writer, and more. Check out his website, as well. I don't want to gush, since I was supposed to be taking the day off.
Patrick %$^#! Lacey. That little #%$^@* of a &^%$#*.
I mean, really. Just look at him.
I used mind control on Patrick to buy a copy of "Baby's Breath" AND a copy of INKBLOTS AND BLOOD SPOTS, Michael Bailey's collection of short stories and poetry illustrated by Daniele Serra. Then, I forced him to be a guest on our television show this month, where I will place him under extreme duress and determine how he came to be such a extraordinary writer and cool human being with ridiculously great taste in music (and books―obviously!―), a perfectly sarcastic sense of humor, and bad ass tattoos all by the age of like, what, sixteen?
*Note to self: We'll need a fake ID for Shorty's.
I also stole this photo from Sandy Shelonchik (whose name I do know how to pronounce) because it just says it so much about how awesome this guy is.
Read his work in the BUGS anthology in which "Baby's Breath" originally appeared, CHIRAL MAD 1, WIDOWMAKERS, and more. Then watch him on our next Episode of "The Taco Society Presents," taping July 22nd! No doubt he'll steal the show, and possibly some of the set props...we'll have to keep an eye on him.
*Note to self: We'll need a fake ID for Shorty's.
I also stole this photo from Sandy Shelonchik (whose name I do know how to pronounce) because it just says it so much about how awesome this guy is.
Read his work in the BUGS anthology in which "Baby's Breath" originally appeared, CHIRAL MAD 1, WIDOWMAKERS, and more. Then watch him on our next Episode of "The Taco Society Presents," taping July 22nd! No doubt he'll steal the show, and possibly some of the set props...we'll have to keep an eye on him.
Courtesy of Morgan Griffith, modeled by Little Sweet. Notice The Library of the Dead hiding behind it, too.
Val Tiley, aka Morgan Griffith, has been a friend since I first read her work way back. She is a fantastic writer, and also happens to have pet rats, which we have in common. When she recently got two new babies, she let me name one Silas, who was too lazy to pose with my book. Little Sweet came to the rescue...Silas is below.
Look for Morgan's excellent flash fiction in IN CREEPS THE NIGHT, as well as poetry in THE HORROR ZINE and short fiction in various anthologies, including the upcoming A MYTHOS GRIMMLY anthology from Wanderer's Haven Publications.
She's also an extremely talented artist, and has sent me cards with original artwork that I treasure dearly. Check out the Christmas card I got last year.
She's also an extremely talented artist, and has sent me cards with original artwork that I treasure dearly. Check out the Christmas card I got last year.
Cool, huh?
John Foster, who bought a copy at WHC and put it with some good company!
John thought "Baby's Breath" was poetry, but that's okay. Why? Because he has a novel called MISTER WHITE coming out this fall with only like, my favorite press, ever, Grey Matter Press, run by Anthony Rivera and Sharon Lawson, as well as a novel called DEAD MEN due out this month from Perpetual Motion Machine Publishing.
John F.D. Taff (who needs no introduction) has called MISTER WHITE "frenetically paced, spectacularly gory and eerie as hell."
John Foster also loves dogs and has a cutie called Coraline. Enough said.
John F.D. Taff (who needs no introduction) has called MISTER WHITE "frenetically paced, spectacularly gory and eerie as hell."
John Foster also loves dogs and has a cutie called Coraline. Enough said.
The wonderful Kenneth Cain—#6.
Kenneth is a wonderful writer and person. He is a champion for other writers and very humble about his own work, and always seems to show up in Facebook chats with cheery emoticons and inspiring messages when you least expect it but need it most.
He created this awesome list of markets for writers on his website and has appeared in numerous anthologies and magazines. He's a very cool human being, and one of the few people I know who can keep a saltwater aquarium running and the things in it alive.
Another bit of exciting news about Kenneth is that he will be publishing a poetry collection with Eldritch Press, VOYAGE OF A MANY DARKENED SOUL.
I appreciate him more than he knows and am looking forward to meeting him in person one day.
He created this awesome list of markets for writers on his website and has appeared in numerous anthologies and magazines. He's a very cool human being, and one of the few people I know who can keep a saltwater aquarium running and the things in it alive.
Another bit of exciting news about Kenneth is that he will be publishing a poetry collection with Eldritch Press, VOYAGE OF A MANY DARKENED SOUL.
I appreciate him more than he knows and am looking forward to meeting him in person one day.
The post-AnthoCon pile of books & music Dr. Alex and B.E. Scully took back to Oregon.
Where to begin with the Scullys? I know I said I would keep this short. I realize we're way past that now. So, bullets.
1. Firbolg Publishing is an amazing press. They publish writers of the highest caliber, produce stunning anthologies every year, and give back to the community and greater world around them in endless ways.
2. Dr. Alex Scully is a brilliant editor, and more well-versed in Gothic literature than anyone I know. She is also intensely dedicated to authors and the writing community.
3. She and B.E. are amazing individuals, and so cool to be around there is just no way I can put all that into words.
4. B.E. is an exceptional writer―she definitely stands out among others in our industry―but is as humble as she is gifted. So you should check out her website and not miss out on any chance you get to read her work.
5. I was lucky enough to edit B.E.'s first YA Novel, THE TOWER OF TOGETHER, which is a lovely story, and would be a great gift for any younger readers on your wish list. The cover is spectacular, and also done by Mikio Murakami of Silent Q Design, who did "Baby's Breath" for me.
I just can't say enough about the Scullys, so I'll leave it at that. Well and this awesome picture of them from AnthoCon. But that's it.
1. Firbolg Publishing is an amazing press. They publish writers of the highest caliber, produce stunning anthologies every year, and give back to the community and greater world around them in endless ways.
2. Dr. Alex Scully is a brilliant editor, and more well-versed in Gothic literature than anyone I know. She is also intensely dedicated to authors and the writing community.
3. She and B.E. are amazing individuals, and so cool to be around there is just no way I can put all that into words.
4. B.E. is an exceptional writer―she definitely stands out among others in our industry―but is as humble as she is gifted. So you should check out her website and not miss out on any chance you get to read her work.
5. I was lucky enough to edit B.E.'s first YA Novel, THE TOWER OF TOGETHER, which is a lovely story, and would be a great gift for any younger readers on your wish list. The cover is spectacular, and also done by Mikio Murakami of Silent Q Design, who did "Baby's Breath" for me.
I just can't say enough about the Scullys, so I'll leave it at that. Well and this awesome picture of them from AnthoCon. But that's it.
"Mommas, Don't Let Your Babies Grow Up to be Writers..."
Adam House—Canada—#19.
Adam has always been extremely supportive of both me and the work we do at Villipede Publications. He is a champion for indie presses and authors, and a fine writer as well.
Check out his story in our first horror and dark speculative fiction anthology, Darkness Ad Infinitum. "The Song that Crawled" even got a mention in a review from Dave Simms over at Horror World―you can read it here.
Check out his story in our first horror and dark speculative fiction anthology, Darkness Ad Infinitum. "The Song that Crawled" even got a mention in a review from Dave Simms over at Horror World―you can read it here.
JG Faherty and his post-WHC pile, of which I am proud to be a part!
I met Greg Faherty for the first time at the 2014 World Horror Convention in Portland, and last May we had an absolute blast at Daniel Knauf's Carnivale party at the World Horror Convention in Atlanta. He and I traded books―I got a copy of his novel THE CURE released by Samhain Publishing in May.
Check out JG's Facebook page and website to stay up to date on his releases. He's a fantastic writer and truly one of the coolest people I have ever had the pleasure of meeting in my entire life.
Plus, he is a master at taking selfies...that's me, him, and my imaginary roommate, Ted, who drove all the way from Kentucky to be in that picture with us.
Check out JG's Facebook page and website to stay up to date on his releases. He's a fantastic writer and truly one of the coolest people I have ever had the pleasure of meeting in my entire life.
Plus, he is a master at taking selfies...that's me, him, and my imaginary roommate, Ted, who drove all the way from Kentucky to be in that picture with us.
Selfie master.
Andrew "Freud" Freudenberg...all the way to England. #2.
Freud is difficult to explain in words. He's a very unique individual―by unique I mean awesome and extraordinary―and I get a little choked up thinking about him since he and his beautiful wife Sallyann have been so kind to me. They have three beautiful boys and the coolest accents you've ever heard, if you're not from England too. They are also the proud parents of a Pug named Gomez.
Freud is a great writer, an amazing father, just played Scrabble 19 hours ago, and has killer taste in music. He also dons a sublime beard and LOVES to read...he's got a bit of an addition to books, methinks.
If you know Freud, this is not news to you. He's just the kind of person you feel lucky know once you do.
Freud is a great writer, an amazing father, just played Scrabble 19 hours ago, and has killer taste in music. He also dons a sublime beard and LOVES to read...he's got a bit of an addition to books, methinks.
If you know Freud, this is not news to you. He's just the kind of person you feel lucky know once you do.
The Freudster
The lovely and oh-so-talented Julya Oui...all the way to Malaysia.
Julya has been supporting my work for so long now...I consider her a great friend and and am In awe of both her creative abilities and altruistic gestures. She is, quite simply, an amazing human being.
In her neat blog post "I Am No. 8" she posted this picture and the one below, which is the note card I included with the chapbook.
Her collection HERE BE NIGHTMARES has been long listed for the Frank O'Connor International Short Story Awards, which makes it even more special to have a story in the collection dedicated to me and a mention in the acknowledgments.
Thank you, Julya, and good luck! <3
In her neat blog post "I Am No. 8" she posted this picture and the one below, which is the note card I included with the chapbook.
Her collection HERE BE NIGHTMARES has been long listed for the Frank O'Connor International Short Story Awards, which makes it even more special to have a story in the collection dedicated to me and a mention in the acknowledgments.
Thank you, Julya, and good luck! <3
Thank heavens I did not spill coffee on this one...
TG Arsenault! \m/ #43 \m/
I met TG for the first time at AnthoCon, and he was as cool as I expected―even more so. We had so much fun! He's someone else i can share a love of metal with, so we have that in common...and Andrew Wolter, as well. We had to divide our time up with him at the con, but we did pretty well, I think!
Check out TG's Amazon Author page here for all of his publications. He totally rocks!
Check out TG's Amazon Author page here for all of his publications. He totally rocks!
Gard and Phil
I look like the cat who ate the canary, but in all actuality, I had just eaten a monster burrito. More on Phil Perron in a bit.
Jonathan Lees
I nearly died when I ran into my old North Andover High classmate Jonathan Lees at the World Horror Convention in Atlanta! If I remember correctly, we were standing outside with Jack Ketchum when we saw each other. I could NOT believe it. I was like, "I grew up with a Jonathan Lees..." as if there were no possible way it could be him. I mean, what are the odds?
Jonathan and I have a lot of catching up to do, and I can't wait to find out what he's been up to all these years. I'm so glad to be back in touch and know that I have a fellow in horror from my hometown! It was so kind of him to buy a copy of the book, and I am anxious to see some of his work soon as well.
Jonathan and I have a lot of catching up to do, and I can't wait to find out what he's been up to all these years. I'm so glad to be back in touch and know that I have a fellow in horror from my hometown! It was so kind of him to buy a copy of the book, and I am anxious to see some of his work soon as well.
Aaron Gudmunson—#4.
Aaron Gudmunson is awesome.
I just love his work, and soon I'll be editing his novel for Eldritch Press! He was kind enough to provide a blurb for "Baby's Breath," and has always been supportive of me in all of my endeavors. He's just an overall super cool guy.
Be sure to check out his fantastic story "The Morgue" in Firbolg Publishing's Enter at Your Own Risk: Dreamscapes into Darkness as well as SNOW GLOBE, his impressive debut novel.
I just love his work, and soon I'll be editing his novel for Eldritch Press! He was kind enough to provide a blurb for "Baby's Breath," and has always been supportive of me in all of my endeavors. He's just an overall super cool guy.
Be sure to check out his fantastic story "The Morgue" in Firbolg Publishing's Enter at Your Own Risk: Dreamscapes into Darkness as well as SNOW GLOBE, his impressive debut novel.
Bob and me at AnthoCon in Portsmouth, New Hampshire.
I tried to sell Bob TWO COPIES, but instead he went home and mailed me all of his t-shirts. He even sent Holden treats! We are so lucky to have such great friends.
The guys.
I already talked about Tony and Gard, so I'm going to focus on the guy on the left here: Phillip Perron.
Phil is the whole reason I'm typing this post, this epic post that started long ago and was supposed to be short and sweet but has taken on a life of its own...
Phil runs Great Old Ones Publishing, and accepted "Baby's Breath" into the Bugs: Tales That Slither, Creep, and Crawl anthology back in April of 2014. I will never forget how worried I was that he had just had a baby, and my story would be too much for him...as soon as I hit "send" I had a panic attack.
But, he liked it, and sent it off to great British writer and director Simon Rumley, who was writing the Foreword of the anthology, and who said some amazing things about my story along with some other stories in the anthology, including Phil's―he called Phil's "dreamlike and almost Lynchian...enigmatic and beguiling."
Phil is a character, and incredibly intelligent. I LOVE his writing, and we can talk about movies non-stop...in fact, check out Dark Discussions, his podcast about horror films. Be sure to check out the Great Old Ones website for submission opportunities and releases, as well.They have some great work out already, and more lined up. I started reading the CRYPTIDS anthology and absolutely loved Simon Rumley's story, "The Kind Wolf of Surrey Downs." I'm sure there are more must-reads in that one.
Thom Erb also has a new short story collection out with them called DARK GARDENS with an introduction from Gord Rollo, which looks great.
We have a great time at our "Taco Society" meetings, and I swear, he is so funny he could do stand-up comedy―but when we go on air for "The Taco Society Presents," he is as serious as a heart attack and hosts that show like nobody's business.
So...I have Phil to thank for accepting this story into the anthology, for sending it to Simon, for choosing it as the anchor tale, for supporting and encouraging me along the way as it was nominated for a Bram Stoker Award and won the Best Horror Short Story Award in the P&E Reader's Poll, and then for allowing me to reprint it with Villipede Publications as a chapbook to take to the World Horror Convention and AnthoCon for readings and signings...
And finally, for allowing me to release it on Amazon today.
Print Edition available now, e-book version to follow.
Thanks to all of you, as well. I could not have done this without your help, guidance, encouragement, and support.
Phil is the whole reason I'm typing this post, this epic post that started long ago and was supposed to be short and sweet but has taken on a life of its own...
Phil runs Great Old Ones Publishing, and accepted "Baby's Breath" into the Bugs: Tales That Slither, Creep, and Crawl anthology back in April of 2014. I will never forget how worried I was that he had just had a baby, and my story would be too much for him...as soon as I hit "send" I had a panic attack.
But, he liked it, and sent it off to great British writer and director Simon Rumley, who was writing the Foreword of the anthology, and who said some amazing things about my story along with some other stories in the anthology, including Phil's―he called Phil's "dreamlike and almost Lynchian...enigmatic and beguiling."
Phil is a character, and incredibly intelligent. I LOVE his writing, and we can talk about movies non-stop...in fact, check out Dark Discussions, his podcast about horror films. Be sure to check out the Great Old Ones website for submission opportunities and releases, as well.They have some great work out already, and more lined up. I started reading the CRYPTIDS anthology and absolutely loved Simon Rumley's story, "The Kind Wolf of Surrey Downs." I'm sure there are more must-reads in that one.
Thom Erb also has a new short story collection out with them called DARK GARDENS with an introduction from Gord Rollo, which looks great.
We have a great time at our "Taco Society" meetings, and I swear, he is so funny he could do stand-up comedy―but when we go on air for "The Taco Society Presents," he is as serious as a heart attack and hosts that show like nobody's business.
So...I have Phil to thank for accepting this story into the anthology, for sending it to Simon, for choosing it as the anchor tale, for supporting and encouraging me along the way as it was nominated for a Bram Stoker Award and won the Best Horror Short Story Award in the P&E Reader's Poll, and then for allowing me to reprint it with Villipede Publications as a chapbook to take to the World Horror Convention and AnthoCon for readings and signings...
And finally, for allowing me to release it on Amazon today.
Print Edition available now, e-book version to follow.
Thanks to all of you, as well. I could not have done this without your help, guidance, encouragement, and support.
As always,
Thanks for reading,
Syd
Thanks for reading,
Syd
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